A local aquintance of mine who is running for a state political office expressed to me concern that USM did not received resources commensurate with certain other institutions of higher learning in the state. Knowing of my affinity for USM, he assured me that, if he is elected, he will work to address that inequity. I would have to assume that the opponent of my acquaintance might make similar assurances.
At one time, there was a forum provided for political candidates to address university students, staff and faculty. Does anyone know if such a forum is scheduled to take place on campus prior to the next general election?
I haven't seen good numbers on that for about five years, but the funding per FTE student is heavily weighted toward the small schools like Valley, Delta State, and MUW. The big three were on the bottom and pretty close with MSU and USM being the worst off because of growth in the 90s that was not compensated for. Where USM falls behind is in the area of alumni giving (Ole Miss) and Federal funding (MSU Land Grant status). As long as USM is limited to state funding and tuition, it will be difficult to make any dramatic strides.